On Nov. 16, the CDC released three separate travel alerts after health officials reported outbreaks of the virus in Israel, New Zealand, and Moldova. Four days later, the health agency also warned travellers about a measles outbreak in Colombia.*

The measles is an infectious airborne disease spread by breathing, coughing, and sneezing, which may result in serious complications leading to pneumonia or death. Signs and symptoms include a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, as well as red and watery eyes.

Prior to leaving for the above-mentioned countries, ensure you have been vaccinated with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.

Infants between six and 11-months-old need one dose of the vaccine.

Adults and children more than one year’s old required two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose must occur on or after their first birthday, with the second dose given at least 28 days later.

Travellers are also advised to stay away from any people they know are infected with the measles.

*This article was updated on Nov. 26, 2018, to include CDC travel advisory for Colombia.